Business planning by small firms meant that over half (51 per cent) were prepared for severe weather disruption earlier this year, according to a study.

A survey from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found one in seven employees in small firms could not make it into work during the heavy snow this year.

Transport disruption meant 29 per cent could not make it into work, while 11 per cent were prevented from working by school closures.

However, many businesses allowed employees to work from home, the FSB noted.

National chairman of the FSB John Wright commented: "Small firms have shown that they are resilient and resourceful by putting plans in place and offering flexible working hours and remote working, but we need to be better prepared with more salt for roads to prevent staff from missing days of work and bringing the country to a standstill."

A total of 42 per cent of small businesses had policies in place for remote working and 17 per cent bought their own supply of salt and grit.

This year, Britain experienced its coldest January for over 30 years.